Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar appreciates state's rich cultural heritage in closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh State Festival

Further addressing the ceremony in Raipur, he expressed confidence that states like Chhattisgarh will make a significant contribution to India's development journey, calling the state rich in natural resources and endowed with youthful energy nurtured by enterprise and courage, as per an official release.

"This land, often called the Rice Bowl of India, is playing a leading role in the nation's development today," he added.

The Vice President expressed concerns about the repugnant and disturbing act of faith conversion through deceptive media methods, saying, "Brothers and sisters, I urge you to reflect on this matter. I want to share my concern with you. Selfless service should truly be selfless. There should be no selfish motives in selfless service, and if in the name of service, there is an attempt to manipulate hearts through deceptive means, it should be a cause for concern. Our hearts are full of reverence, but these efforts are trying to change that reverence."

He stressed that our culture is thousands of years old, and there is an attack on it. The disturbing act of faith conversion is happening in an institutionalized manner, based on financial power and with a clear objective. The innocence of people is being exploited, and falsehoods are being spread. Such forces need to be defeated immediately to keep the soul of India alive and pure, he added. The Vice President urged people to be vigilant so that it is not too late.

He particularly pointed out that tribal communities are being targeted in such deceptive attempts and emphasized the need for society to remain alert against such mentalities. He reiterated that India has always been a land of harmony, a culture that embraces all, and every community has a special place in it, a uniqueness that needs to be preserved.

Underlining the progress and development of states in connection with national progress, Vice President Dhankhar emphasized that "The progress of states and the nation's development are deeply connected. The progress of a state is the progress of the nation. They complement each other." He urged that the interests of the state should always be seen in the context of the nation's welfare, stating that "The interests of the state cannot be separated from the interests of the nation. The state and the nation are one."

Appreciating the present administration of Chhattisgarh for its good governance, law and order, and new industrial policy, Vice President Dhankhar said that Chhattisgarh is today writing a new chapter in good governance and robust law enforcement. Through administrative transparency and effective policymaking, the state has set new benchmarks for development. He also highlighted the state's new industrial policy as a significant step for inclusive growth, demonstrating the state government's commitment to the development of every segment of society.

Turning his attention to the youth of the state, the Vice President praised the efforts of CM for the consistent efforts to curb Maoist insurgency in the state. He reminded the youth not to be misled and to safeguard their precious years. History, he noted, teaches us that resorting to violence against society never leads to positive outcomes.

Referring to the year 2000 when Chhattisgarh was granted separate statehood, the Vice President recalled the invaluable contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "When this state gained its identity in 2000, we must remember the contribution of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was steadfast in his commitment to the nation and sensitive to human emotions. He gifted the country three new states--Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand--and he did so without causing any pain, without any suffering, in a smooth and harmonious manner."

Highlighting the inauguration of the state festival by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, the Vice President recalled that it was Atal Ji's skilful politics that allowed for a seamless creation of new states, fostering brotherhood and unity, the release stated.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of remembering our glorious past and the role of freedom fighters, especially during the "Amrit Kaal." He emphasized the need to honour the contributions of those who fought for India's independence. Today, India celebrates the sacrifices of its freedom fighters with respect, with a special focus on Subhas Chandra Bose and the commemoration of Birsa Munda on Tribal Pride Day.

He pointed to the "Statue of Unity" dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the legacy of other great figures like Birsa Munda and Veer Narayan Singh, who kept the flame of freedom alive during difficult times. He called on everyone to continuously remember and uphold the values of these great leaders.

Speaking about the importance of preserving the ideals of the Constitution, the Vice President reminded the youth about the significance of the Constitution, stressing that it is the foundation of India's present and future. He said, "We are approaching Constitution Day. I urge the youth to remember the role of the Constitution. It is the bedrock on which our nation stands. Every year on 26th November, we celebrate Constitution Day to remind every citizen, especially the youth, of the importance and strength of the Constitution."

Finally, he reminded everyone that this has been a decades-long effort, and it was the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made it a reality. This is a monumental transformation, he said, and it will change society for the better. (ANI)